A UK government minister has stated that officials are examining all possible legal routes to deport Shabir Ahmed, the convicted leader of a Rochdale grooming gang, following concerns over his imminent release from prison.

Ahmed, now 73, was sentenced in August 2012 to 22 years for his role as the ringleader of a group responsible for systematically grooming and sexually abusing teenage girls in Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton.He is due to be released on licence, but victims have been informed that existing immigration law may prevent his deportation.

Authorities have cited the Immigration Act 1971, which restricts deportation for certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 and have lived in the country for a minimum period.

Although Ahmed held dual British and Pakistani citizenship at the time of his conviction and was stripped of his British nationality, legal barriers appear to complicate efforts to remove him from the UK.

Labour MP Jim McMahon has argued that the legislation was originally intended to protect law-abiding Commonwealth migrants, not serious offenders, and has called for reforms to close what he describes as a loophole.Labour Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith has said the government is “doing everything we can” to pursue deportation options.

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has also supported removing Ahmed from the country and has urged ministers to consider all available measures.Despite these statements, legal advice is required to determine whether any legislative changes could apply retrospectively.Victims have expressed ongoing fear and distress over Ahmed’s release, with one survivor stating she feels unsafe even years after the offences.

The Home Office has confirmed that Ahmed will be subject to strict licence conditions, including electronic tagging and geographical exclusion zones covering Rochdale and Oldham, with the risk of being returned to prison if he breaches them.